Amelia Island Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Resort Rental Dwelling Permit

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Resort rentals permitted only in R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning districts; properties in other districts with valid permits prior to October 3, 2000 are grandfathered.

Application Process

Owner or agent applies to the City on a prescribed form at least 30 calendar days prior to occupancy; property must pass an annual life/safety inspection and hold a Florida DBPR public lodging license, a Florida Sales Tax ID, and a Local Business Tax Receipt; permit is renewed annually.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Hosts collect and remit; Nassau County Tourist Development Tax is remitted to the Nassau County Tax Collector and Florida state sales tax plus county surtax is remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue

Filing: Monthly; due on the 1st of the month following the reporting period, delinquent after the 20th

Rental Limits

Amelia Island does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be less than 30 days.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum occupancy calculated at 150 square feet of gross floor area per person

Zoning & Restrictions

Resort rentals permitted only in R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning districts; properties in other districts with valid permits prior to October 3, 2000 are grandfathered

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Amelia Island does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Annual life/safety inspection by the City, a licensed Florida home inspector, or DBPR using a City checklist
• Compliance with the uniform fire safety standards of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 1 and 101 (F.A.C. Rule 69A-3.012)
• Florida DBPR public lodging license under F.S. ch. 509 certifying compliance with transient public lodging standards
• A contact person available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, able to respond in person to a complaint within 30 minutes
• Current RRDP displayed conspicuously near the main entrance inside the dwelling unit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $1,000 per violation.

Platform Requirements

Every advertisement or listing for a resort rental dwelling must include the current, valid City-issued RRDP number, including listings on the internet, newspapers, magazines, and vacation publications.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Amelia Island:

1. Meet safety requirements. Annual life/safety inspection by the City, a licensed Florida home inspector, or DBPR using a City checklist. Compliance with the uniform fire safety standards of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 1 and 101 (F.A.C. Rule 69A-3.012). Florida DBPR public lodging license under F.S. ch. 509 certifying compliance with transient public lodging standards. A contact person available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, able to respond in person to a complaint within 30 minutes. Current RRDP displayed conspicuously near the main entrance inside the dwelling unit.
2. Apply for Resort Rental Dwelling Permit. Submit application + $300 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Nassau County Tax Collector (Tourist Development Tax); Florida Department of Revenue (state sales tax and surtax).
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $200 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Amelia Island?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Amelia Island requires a Resort Rental Dwelling Permit.

Are there major restrictions on short-term rentals in Amelia Island?

Yes — Resort rentals permitted only in R-3 (High Density Residential) zoning districts; properties in other districts with valid permits prior to October 3, 2000 are grandfathered. Review the full rules above before listing.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Amelia Island?

A Resort Rental Dwelling Permit in Amelia Island costs $300 per year. Renewal is $200 per year.

Does Amelia Island require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Amelia Island allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Amelia Island?

Amelia Island does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Amelia Island?

Short-term rental stays in Amelia Island are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Florida State Sales Tax + 1% Nassau County Discretionary Sales Surtax + 5% Nassau County (Amelia Island) Tourist Development Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Amelia Island?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.